Avoid tragedy: Learn how to protect your dog from weed killer dangers

No matter your backyard’s size, summer is when you want to enjoy it with your furry friends. But for grass lawns to be beautiful, look vibrant, and lush, they need continuous maintenance and weed control. This may include using yard chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, and weed killers, which can harm your dog’s health.

When planning lawn care, only use products that are safe for you and your dog can enjoy.

Read on to find out how long you should keep your dog off the grass after using weed killers and other safety guidelines so you can indulge in weed and worry-free.

Why are weed killers dangerous?

Most of the selective weed killers that you can buy on the market are packed with powerful chemicals.

These chemicals efficiently extinguish weeds and keep the grass green but pose risks.

While some can be considered safe for humans and pets, some can be highly toxic and can, in the long term, lead to numerous health problems, even with a fatal outcome.

Exposure to unsafe weed killers can make your dog vulnerable to various diseases, from nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, dermatitis, and breathing problems to bladder or thyroid cancers, resulting from prolonged exposure.

Some of the pesticide elements you should avoid, as these ingredients are highly hazardous to dogs, are:

• Diquat Dibromide,
• Methyl-4 Chlorophenoxyacetic Acid,
• Dimethylamine Salt and
• Glyphosate.

Acute herbicide poisoning can occur if your dog has direct access to the product.

Your dog can start to vomit, breathe heavily, and shiver. In these cases, it’s best to consult your veterinarian right away.

Chronic diseases caused by herbicides may take years to manifest and are hard to diagnose.

Certain herbicides not only harm your dogs, but they can harm your grass as well. The type of weed killer you will use also depends on the landscape you live in.

To opt for the weed killer of your choice, always carefully read the labels and ensure they are safe.

How long should your dog stay off the grass?

After you or a weed removal service spray a fresh layer of herbicide on your lawn, you should keep your pet off the area until weed killers dry entirely.

Keep your dogs from the grass for 48 hours or until the soil completely dries to be safe.

Before you treat the grass plants in your backyard, remember that your pets will be breathing, walking, and playing on the lawn.

Some dogs like to eat grass, and most tend to lick their bellies and legs, which can come in direct contact with chemicals.

After you’ve sprayed a fresh layer of herbicide on your lawn, you should keep your pet off the area until the treatment has dried completely.

Usually, it takes about 48 hours for the grass and soil to absorb the chemical.

However, the drying time will depend on the climate, as well.

If you have used the solution on a drizzly or humid day, it can take many days to dry thoroughly and be safe for your pets again.

Signs of weed killer poisoning

Recognizing the signs of weed killer poisoning in dogs is crucial in order to seek prompt and proper treatment for your furry friend.

Dogs are often curious creatures, and they may accidentally ingest weed killers while exploring the outdoors or even from tracking it indoors on their paws.

As a responsible pet owner, it is vital to be aware of the following symptoms that may indicate your dog has been poisoned by weed killer.

Vomiting and diarrhea

One of the most common signs of any type of poisoning is vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice your dog vomiting or having frequent loose stools, especially after being exposed to weed killer, it could be a sign that they have ingested some.

Loss of appetite

Weed killer poisoning can also lead to a loss of appetite in dogs. If your dog suddenly starts refusing food or shows disinterest in their usual treats, it could be due to ingesting toxic chemicals.

Excessive salivation

Another symptom commonly seen in dogs who have been exposed to weed killers is excessive salivation or drooling. This occurs as a reaction to the toxins present in the chemicals and should not be ignored.

Difficulty breathing

Some types of weed killers can cause respiratory issues in animals if ingested or even through skin contact. If you notice your dog struggling to breathe or exhibiting labored breathing after exposure to weed killer, seek immediate medical attention.

Changes in behavior

Dogs who have been poisoned by weed killers may also display changes in behavior such as lethargy, agitation, restlessness, or even seizures. These sudden shifts in behavior should not be taken lightly and must be addressed immediately by a veterinarian.

Pale gums

Toxic chemicals found in some types of weed killers can affect blood circulation leading to pale gums or mucous membranes in dogs which can indicate anemia.

Weakness and collapse

In severe cases of poisoning, dogs may experience weakness or collapse due to the toxins attacking their nervous system. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of weed killer and the amount ingested by your dog.

What to do if your dog’s exposed to weed killers

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to weed killer, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care immediately.

Remember, early detection and prompt treatment can make all the difference in saving your dog’s life.

The first step is to identify the type of chemical your pet has been exposed to. For example, if your dog was exposed to weed killer, you should immediately check the label and active ingredients of the product.

If possible, remove your pet from the area where they were exposed to the chemical and bring them into a well-ventilated space. This will help reduce their exposure and prevent further harm. It’s also important to avoid touching or handling the chemical yourself without proper protective gear.

Assess your pet’s symptoms. If they show signs of distress such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Do not attempt any home remedies as they may do more harm than good.

If your pet doesn’t show any immediate symptoms but comes into contact with a potentially toxic substance, it’s best to contact a poison control hotline for pets or consult with your veterinarian for advice on what steps you should take next.

In some cases, a vet may recommend inducing vomiting to remove any remaining toxin from your pet’s system. However, this should only be done under guidance from a veterinarian as some substances can cause more damage when brought back up.

Keep all information about the chemicals that they were exposed to handy so that you can provide accurate details when seeking medical help.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to protecting our pets from harmful chemicals.

Keep all cleaning products, pesticides, and other potentially toxic substances securely stored away from your pet’s reach.

In case of any accidental exposure, follow the steps mentioned above and seek prompt medical attention for the safety and well-being of your beloved furry companion.

Preventive measures

There are a couple of preventive measures you can take to keep your dog from exposure to yard chemicals:

• Keep your dogs off from sprayed grass areas for at least two days or until it has been completely absorbed.
• Place the dog’s bowls and toys away from treated areas.
• If you assume your dog came in contact with the treated grass, wash the belly and legs.
• Avoid products that have carcinogenic chemicals in them.
• Choose dog-safe weed-killer and fertilizer products.

Pet-friendly weed killers

There are several natural and organic alternatives available in the market that can effectively kill weeds without posing any threat to your dog’s health. These include essential oils such as clove oil, citric acid-based herbicides, vinegar solutions, and corn gluten meal. These ingredients work by disrupting the cellular structure of the plants while being completely safe for pets.

Another option is to use pre-emergent herbicides that create a barrier on the soil surface preventing weed seeds from germinating. These products work best if applied early in the season before weeds start appearing.

While pre-emergent herbicides may still contain some chemicals, they are generally considered safer than post-emergent ones.

When choosing a pet-friendly weed killer product, always read the label carefully and look out for any potential warnings or precautions regarding pets.

It’s also essential to follow application instructions closely and avoid spraying when your dog is nearby.

Natural solutions

You can use alternative methods without worrying about their adverse effects on your furry companion’s health.

Vinegar solution

A simple solution of white vinegar and water can effectively kill weeds without harming your dog. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and spray directly onto the weeds.

Vinegar’s acetic acid will dry out the weed’s leaves, causing it to die within a few days. But be cautious. Vinegar kills all plants it touches.

Saltwater treatment

Another natural alternative is using saltwater to kill weeds. Mix one cup of salt with four cups of warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Pour this mixture onto the base of the weed, don’t get any on surrounding plants or grass.

Boiling water

Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it over the targeted area where you want to get rid of weeds, especially weeds growing between cracks in sidewalks or driveways.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as clove, peppermint, and citrus have herbicidal properties and effectively kill weeds. Dilute a few drops in a spray bottle with water and apply directly on weeds.

Salt or sugar

Large amounts of sugar or salt make the soil unsuitable for growing plants.

Cornmeal

To stop unwanted weeds from growing, try sprinkling cornmeal, as it contains a chemical that prevents seeds from germinating.

Remove by hand

If weeds plague your lawn, it might need a lot of work. Over time, weed infestations diminish as you remove weeds before they can bloom and seed.

Even though it may seem like hard labor, you will have your dog as a workout partner and a motivator.

Final thoughts on weed killer dangers

To keep your dog safe when using weed killers, ensure you’re using products that are not harmful to animals and always carefully read the labels and instructions.

It’s vital to be aware of the potential dangers that weed killers can pose to your dog.

By taking simple precautions and choosing pet-friendly alternatives, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved dogs.

Remember to always read labels carefully, keep your dog away from treated areas, and consider natural options when it comes to maintaining a weed-free yard.

Your dog’s health is worth the extra effort.

Stephen Jones is a freelance writer and a new father. Becoming a father for the first time is not easy, but it is so much happiness that complicated things are handled best because the baby is the fruit of love, and he brings great satisfaction. Stephen enjoys writing about health, food, pets, and tips for keeping pets healthy. He can be reached on Facebook and Twitter.

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